Friday, April 23, 2010

There were several unsuspecting talents who received their pink slips on April 22, 2010. World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the releases of the following superstars:

Shelton Benjamin 2000-2010

Kung Fu Naki 1998-2010

Katie Lea Burchill 2008-2010

Mickie James 2005-2010

Mike Knox 2005-2010

Slam Master J 2007-2010

Jimmy Wang Yang 2003-2005 & 2006-2010

Jimmy Wang commented on his release via twitter:

"3 strike and your out i hear florida is a nice place to visit."

Mickie James commented on his release via twitter:

"Awe... Thank you James Gang! I just want to say its been a beautiful journey... Wwe has been a childhood dream come true & I have loved every step... There is not a moment I would change for the world... It breaks my heart but the world doesn't stop turning.. I'm grateful for all my friends, family, loved ones, and fans who have supported me along this wonderful ride. To all the guys and gals I've had the pleasure of sharing the ring with... We made some magic! History... Memories to last a lifetime... Thank you... I love you all with all my heart! Every chapter has its close... The next one Is only gonna get better... I promise you that! =) One truly never knows what tomorrow may hold... That's why we embrace every moment... In love & joy! The James Gang Rides! Even stronger than before.... To Victory! Haha.... On ward & upward! Much Love.... Muah! JG4L...... MJ"

Shannon Moore posted a comment via Twitter:

"It sucks to hear that people lost jobs today. From what I hear that place is a black hole anyway. A lot of peeps are miserable going to work. They don’t understand what talent is. They would rather hire a jackass that don't know nothing about the biz rather than someone that loves it and pay pennies on the dollar to get someone to sign their life away. I think that the talent should think about making the jump. I thank god everyday for my chance to be family with TNA. From the office to talent in TNA it's nothing but fun. All I can say is @tnadixie thank you for bringing me into the family. I love going to work. Hogan F'N rocks. I wear TNA colors with pride and will bust my ass to better the company. TNA TNA TNA TNA."

Mike Knox, Jimmy Wang, Grand Master J, Kung Fu Naki, and Burchill are big surprises as they have been hardly used on television as of late.

The releases of Shelton Benjamin and Mickie James will not be well received by the WWE Universe.

Benjamin has always displayed a high level of athleticism. Benjamin scored a pin fall on Dolph Ziggler just before Wrestlemania. “The Gold Standard” was recently a participant in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at Wrestlemania. The decision to release Benjamin appears to have not been planned.

Mickie James was recently the Women’s Champion until losing it to Michelle McCool. We have all heard of her aspirations to start singing professionally so this isn’t as big a surprise as Benjamin. Like Maria, she bought her pink slip with her mouth.

Oakland Athletics pitcher Dallas Braden was on the hill to take on the 2009 World Series champions The New York Yankees on Thursday.

In the top of the sixth inning Alex Rodriguez jogged across the mound after a foul ball. Braden yelled at the Rodriguez for trespassing immediately at the conclusion of the inning. Rodriguez brushes Braden off like a child.

Dallas Braden said "I don't care if I'm Cy Young or the 25th man on the roster, if I've got the ball in my hand and I'm on that mound, that's my mound ..., He ran across the pitcher's mound foot on my rubber. No, not happening. We're not the door mat anymore."

Rodriguez didn’t seem to care much about Braden’s objection and made light of the situation.

“He just told me to get off his mound,” Rodriguez said “I’d never quite heard that, especially from a guy that has a handful of wins in his career.”The reporter told Rodriguez “he said you ran over the mound and you are not supposed to do that.” Rodriguez said “Who said that?” The report stated “he did”, “Exactly” Rodriguez answered with a smug.Rodriguez finished the interview stating “I thought it was pretty funny, actually” "He's right, I don't even have a handful of wins, I have three. Do the math A-Rod." Braden responded.

"Well, now he has, you know? I don't go over there and run laps at third base. I don't go over there. I don't spit over there. I don't spit over there. I stay away. You guys ever see anybody run across the mound like that? He ran across the pitcher's mound, foot on my rubber. No. Not flyin." Braden said.

Braden said “I’m not a spec on his radar and that’s fine but he will know I was out there and will know to not do that again, because there will be repercussions if it happens again.”

A-Rod has been criticized for his “bush league” antics. During Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship, he slapped the ball out of Bronson Arroyo’s hand during a tag. Most recently he yelled at Blue Jays infielders to distract them during an infield fly ball.

It does not look like Dallas Braden intends to feud with Alex Rodriguez after the end of the series.

"It's over and done with as far as I'm concerned," Braden said. "Like I said, the guy's a first ballot Hall of Famer. I'm sure he's moved on already but I'd like to think an impression was made and that he could honor and respect the game and our team and our club and what we're trying to do a little more next time." Braden concluded.

Braden go the last laugh earning the win over the New York Yankees giving him a 3-0 season record.

With two more games left in the series, there could be more drama ahead.

Rodriguez seems to always be in the headlines. From Madonna to illegal substances, Alex Rodriguez acts more like a rock star than he does a ball player.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The show opens with the fighters at the gym waiting for Dana White’s announcement. The fighters suspect it isn’t going to be good news.

Elimination without losing:

White arrives at the gym and announces that Chris Camozzi has a fractured jaw. Dana White said that the doctor believes that the jaw could be easily broken if Camozzi competed. Chris Camozzi is sent home.

Dana White advises Tito Ortiz that he will choose who replaces Camozzi. Ortiz and his assistant coaches will have four fighters who lost in the preliminary fights to choose from.

At the Training Center:

Team Liddell is focusing on striking. Liddell is working with is team and receives praise from the fighters for giving equal time.

Team Liddell Asst. Coach, John Hackleman, says that the team is a “happy camp”.

At the house:

Charles Blanchard is shown giving Nick Ring a massage. Blanchard is a licensed massage therapist and says that he is willing to help out anyone in the house regardless of their team affiliation.

Jamie Yager makes fun of Nick Ring’s sleep wear and how he stands.

At the Training Center:

Tito Ortiz announces that he has chosen Seth Baczynski to replace Camozzi. Ortiz says he choice was based on his heart against Court McGee.

Nick Ring gets upset about Jamie Yager calling him a bitch. Tito Ortiz brings the team in for a meeting and tells them they need to work together if they expect to make it to the finale.

Weigh-in:

Both Tavares and Hammortree make weight and pose for the face off. .

Fighters comment on both fighters’ striking and go for broke style. Tavares said that he likes the pairing because they both like to stand up and bang. Hammortree said he might take Taveras down and dish out some ground-and-pound.

Mid-commercial spot:

Footage is shown of Yager throwing a tire over his head at night outside of the facility. Yager comments about liking Ortiz’s strength and conditioning program.

Fight:

Rd 1

Both fighter touch gloves in the idle of the cage. Tavares starts out with some leg kicks. Hammortree shoots for a take down but doesn’t get it. Hammortree drivers Tavares against the fence but can’t get him down.

Tito Ortiz yells at his team I believe to signify them to be quiet so that Hammortree can hear him.

Hammortree tries for a wizard and then to take Tavares’s back but instead gives him his.

Hammortree then stands up and shrugs Tavares off his back only to give it back to him again.

Hammortree quickly escapes and Tavares tries for a takedown resulting in giving Hammortree the half guard. Hammortree continues with some light ground-and-pound.

Rd 2

Hammortree starts the round by going for the takedown but doesn’t get.Tavares gets top position and they shortly move to stand up .As they stand Tavares delivers a vicious knee to Hammortree’s head.

Tavares attempts another hip throw but misses it and gives Hammortree back control.

Tavares secures Hammortree’s arms to set up a kimura.

Hammortree keeps Tavares on his back for the rest of the round without really inflicting any damage.

Tavares is frantically attempting to set up a triangle at the closing seconds of the round.

Mid-commercial spot:

Team Liddell is shown practicing some wrestling techniques.

Draw:

Dana White advises that the judges have declared a draw and the fighters’ will fight a third round.

Rd 3

Both fighters touch gloves and Tavares gets some distance. Tavares looks like he wants to strike. Tavares lands a few weak jabs and inside leg kicks.

Hammortree gets the takedown and sits in Tavares’s half guard.

Hammortree slides in for a full mount on Tavares but he quickly gets out with a basic escape.

Hammortree takes Tavares’s heel for leverage to attempt a reversal.

Hammortree goes for yet another takedown but only manages to push Tavares against the cage as Tavares holds on to a weak kimura lock.

Hammortree tries to lay some pipe but can’t get it as long as Tavares holds on to the kimura lock.

Both fighters stand up and clinch against the cage to finish the round.

Ortiz is excited about the outcome of the third round. Ortiz said that he believes with the takedown and mount, Hammortree wins it.

Liddell is shown freaking out like he does at cage side.

Liddell believes Tavares wins the round barely.

A winner Declared:

Dana White announces that he judges score the third round 10-9 for the winner, Brad Tavares.

Tito Ortiz is baffled at the judges’ decision.

It was a great back and forth battle with two guys with great heart. There were a lot of failed takedowns which usually led to the other fighter getting a superior position. This was definitely one of the more compelling fights on the show thus far.

Ubaldo Jimenez is pitching the best baseball of his life. Jimenez gave Colorado their first no-hitter in history. He struck out seven and pitched a hundred and twenty eight pitches.

He has a 1.29 ERA after flawless pitching and has a perfect 3-0 record.

2) SP Mike Pelfrey NYM

Mike Pelfrey was a killer on the hill with twelve strikeouts for the week. Pelfrey gave fifteen innings of shutout baseball. He is snatching the attention in the star studded city of New York. Pelfrey is a perfect 3-0 for the season.

Pelfrey stepped up in the 19th inning during the seven hour slugfest. He secured his first save in his career.

3) SP Livan Hernandez Was

Washington Nationals have found a gem in Livan Hernandez. After an outstanding spring, he earned the fifth spot on the rotation.

Hernandez threw nine innings this week and picked up a win with three strike outs and only giving up four hits. His 2010 season is looking good with a 0.00 ERA and two wins after sixteen innings.

4) SP AJ Burnett NYY

The Yankees pitcher threw seven shutout innings and sat down seven in his last outing. This week he sports a 0.00 ERA for New York. Burnett is in top form with two wins and a nice 2.37 ERA.

4) SP Chris Carpenter StL

Carpenter destroyed ten hitters and sent them back to the dug out with strikeouts. He put in seven shut out innings giving up only four hits. This week’s work gives him two wins for the 2010 season.

5) SP Josh Beckett Bos

The Red Sox Ace toss seven shut out innings with eight strike outs. Beckett’s effort left him with a no-decision because the Red Sox defense allowed an unearned run which led to the suspended game. Beckett needed this week after such disastrous opening day.

6) SP Johan Santana NYM

Santana struck out nine after giving the Mets seven scoreless innings. The Johan Santana we all know was back this week improving his season record to 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA.

7) SP Tim Lincecum SF

Lincecum had another great week on the mound. “The Freak” gave six shutout innings with seven strikeouts. He has an overall 0.90 ERA and 0.80 WHIP for the season. He is undefeated in three starts.

San Francisco pitcher helped his cause and went 3-for-4 and garnered three RBI in the batter box Saturday.

8) SP Matt Garza TB

Garza is on fire after another week of impressive mound work. The Tampa Bay hurler didn’t let one touch the plate after eight innings of work

Garza makes his way onto the top pitcher report for another week. He is a perfect 3-0 record and rocks a 0.75 ERA for the season.

9) SP Francisco Liriano Min

Liriano pitched seven shutout innings and struck out eight in his last outing. He has a 1-0 record and has eleven strikeouts for the season.

10) RP Mariano Rivera NYY

Rivera has two saves and three strikeouts in two shutout innings. He has five saves with six strike outs and a 0.00 ERA this season. Rivera has been unstoppable for New York.

It’s the end of the second week of the 2010 Major League Baseball season. Production this week was near empty for these sluggers. Each of them is desperately trying to find a repair man for their mechanics.

1) OF Colby Rasmus Stl

The Cardinal outfielder has been suffering being hitless at the last fifteen plate appearances. He could only provide a single walk to help his team this week.

Rasmus had a .000 AVG this past week which dropped his season total to .179 AVG.

He is now batting eighth in the line-up after starting the season in the fifth position.

2) OF Matt Holliday Stl

Holliday has only been able to scrape up one hit in the last twenty-one tries. The sole hit was a homerun but that wasn’t enough to save his week.

Holliday missed some games late this week due to illness which may have been a factor in his poor production.

3) Mark Teixeira

Teixeira continued his slump hitting only one base hit with twenty at-bats this week. The Yankees first baseman is now four for forty to start the season.

Teixeira is hitting only .100 so far making this season. April has never been kind to the Yankees slugger. Teixeira may be a staple on the Major Slump Report for the next few weeks.

4) OF Chris Coghlan Fla

Coghlan is hitless in nineteen at-bats giving him the horror of a .000 AVG this week. The Marlins outfielder will drop to the two spot behind Cameron Maybin.

5) Carlos Lee

Reynolds managed to only dredge up two hits this week with twenty-five plate appearances. He is dragging around a pitiful .104 AVG with only one RBI.

This is Carlos Lee’s second straight week on the Major Slump Report.

6) OF Carlos Quentin CWS

Quentin is hitting .111 and was three for twenty seven. The only light for the Chicago White Sox outfielder is his grand slam on Wednesday.

7) OF Raul Ibanez PhiIbanez is depressing with a .059 AVG garnering only one hit in the last seventeen at-bats. He had an issue with his elbow during the spring which might be affecting his swing.

8) SS Edgar Renteria

There are hopes that Renteria may have a decent year after such a hot start. Those thoughts may be dwindling with his .125 AVG this week. San Francisco felt the chill of only three hits in the last twenty-four at-bats.

Renteria was 0-5 in Friday’s game and saw his .600 plus batting average take a dive. For those who grabbed him for your fantasy team during his hot streak, let’s hope that he can turn it around.

9) SS Jason Bartlett TBBartlett had a torturous week with only two hits in twenty-three attempts in the box. He is hitting .087 AVG for a bad string of at-bats.

10) OF, DH Julio Borbon TexJulio Borbon road the pine a few games this week. David Murphy has been getting some playing time due to Borbon’s slump.

The Texas outfielder only managed two hits in the fifteen at-bats he got between the bench and the field. Borbon makes the list of “bad” for the second week straight.

After two weeks of baseball we have been surprised by some of the bats this week. These names have been taking a joy ride all week. Let’s see if these ball players can keeping stealing the show.

1) OF Shin-Soo Choo Cle

The Cleveland outfielder was on fire this week. He put up a .579 AVG in nineteen plate appearances. Shin-Soo Choo knocked in eleven RBI, six XBH, and three homeruns.

Choo hit a grand slam on Sunday to continue his seven-game hitting streak. The Indians are happy to have him turn it around after a .111 AVG start.

2) 2b Chase Utley Phi

Five bombs made Chase Utley the unexpected power plant of Major League Baseball this week. Held a nice .333 AVG, drove in eight and stepped on the plate eight times himself this week

3) OF Matt Kemp LAD

Four bombs made their way out of the park when Matt Kemp was in the box. The Dodgers outfielder had a .333 AVG, eight RBI, and walked into the dugout after scoring eight runs.

4) SS Derek Jeter NYYNew York’s favorite ball player holds a .500 AVG with three homeruns. Jeter drove in seven runs this week to help the Yankees to stay on top of the AL East.

Jeter reluctantly missed Sunday’s game with a head cold. He will only miss a few days and be back putting up great numbers.

5) OF Andre Ethier LADAndre Ethier was the hero of Los Angeles with a two blast on Friday. The highlight of the week was the first grand slam of Ethier’s career.

The Dodgers outfielder hit three homeruns, nine RBI, and a phenomenal .423 AVG. You couldn’t ask for a better week of production.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the best outfield today. Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier had a stellar week. Manny Ramirez also had a good week hitting two homeruns with only twelve at-bats. Ramirez stepped up with a pinch-hit home run to help LA win on Sunday.

6) 3b, 1b, DH Ty Wigginton Bal

Wigginton bashed four over the wall and pushed ten of his teammates across the dish. A .348 AVG this week makes him Baltimore’s most reliable player.

7) OF Jose Guillen KC

Guillen is turning heads this week with three dingers and a .462 AVG. He is looking healthy doesn’t show any effects of last year’s extended hospital stay due to blood clots in his legs.

8) OF Scott Podsednik KC

Podsednik didn’t homer this week and likely won’t do it next week either. But you can’t deny his .542 AVG giving him the second best batting average this week.

9) C Bengie Molina SF

Bengie Molina is hitting .529 AVG, five RBI, and one homerun. The Giants catcher is easily the best catcher of the week

10) 2b Dan Uggla Fla

Dan Uggla sent two into the stands and had an impressive .464 AVG this week. The Marlins fans had something to get excited about this week.

About Me

I have been a law enforcement professional for the last 11 years.
I am a sports writer/syndicated writer at MLBSoup.com, CombatSoup.com, BleacherReport.com and College Gentlemen Magazine.
I am currently pursuing my passion for writing and I hope to one day write my own fiction novel.
I am a proud father of a 6yr old daughter, 4yr old son, and 2yr old sassy girl. I have been married for 12 years and I enjoy spending time with my family.